For me no matter if it's a ferro rod match or lighter I always either scratch it up or carve shavings or feathers on the sides of punk wood to get it going
Go clean up your fishing gear room.

ANSWER TO ORIGINAL POST:
In my very limited experience, you just have to try stuff. I remember thinking once that actual cork would be a great multi purpose item, including as tinder. Boy, was I wrong. Seems like cork would readily take a spark...it's wood, it's light and airy....but then you try and the stuff is damn near fireproof!
That kind of applies to most everything else I've tried. The only thing I think I've learned is that if your tinder has fibers, your good to go. Beyond that, you just gotta go in your backyard and try things. Don't assume anything.
As for punkwood...lots of variables in there, I think. I've had some that works great, some that wasn't so great. The ferro rod doesn't lie.
